ASCRS sailing into San Diego

The American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery will host this year’s ASCRS and ASOA Annual Meeting in San Diego, California, beginning on Friday. (Image courtesy of Adobe Stock/Sean Xu)

The American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery will host this year’s ASCRS and ASOA Annual Meeting in sunny San Diego, California, kicking off on Friday.

The 4-day conference will showcase the newest clinical techniques, unveil the latest industry trends and innovations, and offer numerous opportunities for networking. The meeting will focus on therapeutic, surgical, and administrative topics of interest to ASCRS and ASOA members, and includes lectures, symposia, workshops, sessions, courses, and skills transfer labs to help surgeons, nurses, and technicians hone their clinical and administrative talents.

This year’s event will feature a range of innovative programming, essential topics, an exhibit hall, and more. ASCRS Executive Director Steve Speares said the organization is looking forward to this year’s meeting.

“As we continue to adjust to the post-COVID world, we know that attendees crave the in-person interactions that a large conference such as this can provide,” Speares said. “ASCRS 2023 has something for everyone. We have events for people who are new in their career, such as Mentor Meetups, Exhibit Hall tours, specific programming for young eye surgeons, and networking events. There is engagement for mid-career attendees seeking to expand their knowledge within various education sessions and through hands-on opportunities in the Skills Transfer Labs.”

Speares also noted added that long-time members will be recognized for their membership, and all attendees are invited to the new Main Stage Events and the ASCRS ASOA Party for a Purpose.

A new feature this year, according to Speares, is ASCRS on the Main Stage.

“The Main Stage Events will recognize the pioneers of ophthalmology and those continuing the legacy today,” he said. “They include named lectures, keynote speakers, innovative symposia, and other awards and honors.”

Another new addition is Digital Day, sponsored by the Digital Ophthalmic Society.

“This program will take place in conjunction with and is open to those who are registered for ASCRS Subspecialty Day,” Speares said.

Attendees also will find new features in the Exhibit Hall.

The activities in the ASCRS Tap Room have been expanded, including a Kentucky Derby viewing party Saturday afternoon,” Speares said. “There will be Exhibit Hall tours for first-time attendees—exhibit halls at a large conference like this can be overwhelming to some. And the new ASCRS Wellness Lounge will serve as a space for attendees to recharge their batteries.”

ASCRS continues to follow state and local regulations as well as CDC guidances, and Speares noted there are no pandemic-related restrictions place this year.

“Attendees agree to take their own personal precautions during the event and agree to not attend if they feel ill, have tested positive, or have had recent known exposure,” he said.

The ASCRS/ASOA Annual Meeting will be held at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, California. (Image courtesy of Adobe Stock/flipphoto)

Physician-designed education this year is approved for up to 32 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits. “The ASCRS annual meeting sets itself apart with its education specifically focused on the needs of anterior segment ophthalmologists, but there is so much more in and around that education throughout the meeting that makes this experience so unique,” said ASCRS Past President Richard Hoffman, MD.

“The ASCRS annual meeting sets itself apart with its education specifically focused on the needs of anterior segment ophthalmologists, but there is so much more in and around that education throughout the meeting that makes this experience so unique,” said ASCRS Past President Richard Hoffman, MD.

Speares also noted that ASCRS officials have been impressed with registration rates so fa across all categories.

“This is going to be a robust meeting, packed with learning and engagement opportunities,” he said. “We’re also excited to return to San Diego—it’s a great city with beautiful weather and attractions to take in outside of the meeting. We look forward to seeing everyone there was we get ready to Make Waves at ASCRS 2023!

Here are some of the special features to expect at the 2023 ASCRS annual meeting.

Party for a Purpose: The second of its kind, this event will kick off the meeting on May 5 at 8 pm with fun and philanthropy for the benefit of the ASCRS Foundation. All registrants, exhibitors, and their guests are invited to attend.

Bonus Subspecialty Day: In addition to Refractive Day, Cornea Day, and Glaucoma Day—each approved for up to 6.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits—a bonus non-CME program, Digital Day, will be held on May 5 for Subspecialty Day registrants. Sponsored by the Digital Ophthalmic Society, the day will feature lectures on artificial intelligence, digital visualization, and precision medicine tools that can be integrated into the clinic.

YES Programming & Engagement: True to its commitment to young eye surgeons (YES), ASCRS will offer special skills transfer labs on May 5 and symposia, a networking lunch, and more on May 6. YES events will continue throughout the meeting with Mentor Meetups, YES Connect Industry Dinners, and an industry-sponsored YES Happy Hour.

Exhibit Hall: More than 200 companies will have booths at the Exhibit Hall. And attendees can once again enjoy the popular Tap Room, a causal meeting spot and space for industry-led education.

A new addition this year will be the Wellness Lounge, where attendees can take a break and recharge. Complimentary lunch will be served in the and Exhibit Hall on May 6 and 7 and free professional headshots will be taken there May 6–8.

The ASOA Annual Meeting, which is geared toward practice managers and administrators but is relevant to all ophthalmology staff members, will also take place between May 5 and 8 in San Diego, California.